GIIS Leadership Lecture Series scaled a majestic peak on September 21, 2013 with award-winning film actor Hrithik Roshan's visit to GIIS Queenstown Campus accompanied by acclaimed director and producer, Rakesh Roshan. Their visit set an unprecedented record with thousands of students and parents from GIIS campuses in Malaysia and Japan as well as India, including Noida, Bangalore, Indore, Surat and Chinchwad watching the extraordinary event live through a video conference and simultaneous webcast.

Mr Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan were received by GIIS fraternity with a rousing welcome comprising of a Lion Dance, signifying good luck and fortune. Amidst loud cheers, Hrithik reached out to greet GIIS students dressed in black capes, in favour of soon-to-be released movie, Krrish 3, smiling and acknowledging the cheers of welcome. Accompanied by Mr Atul Temurnikar, Co-Founder and Chairman, GSF, Mr Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan
being
received
at GIIS with a
Lion Dance

In order to mark the UN International Day of Peace, Mr Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan joined GIIS students to create the 'Largest Display of Origami Doves for Peace' which entered the Singapore Book of Records. He read a pledge and signed a message accompanied by Mr Rakesh Roshan on the display board.

Their grand entrance to the auditorium set many a dreams flying as student emcees welcomed the very special guests. The event began with 6-year old dancing queen Sunishka Sriram of GIIS Balestier Campus, Singapore. Carrying the celebratory mood further, students of GIIS East Coast and GIIS Queenstown Campuses presented scintillating performances to popular dance tracks from Hrithik's movies.

Following the performances, Mr Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan were invited on stage with Mr Temurnikar. The stage proceedings began with Mr Ong Eng Huat, President of the Singapore Book of Records presenting the official certificate to Mr Temurnikar.

Mr Temurnikar receives the Singapore Book of Records certificate for the 'Largest Display of Origami Doves for Peace' created by GIIS students with Mr Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan

Singapore Book of
Records certificate

Addressing GIIS students, Mr Rakesh Roshan said, “Thank you so much for your love and the affection you have showered upon us today. It is a memorable moment for me and my son. I am happy to tell you one thing - that Krrish belongs to you because Krrish was born in Singapore. I thank you once again for your affection.” Mr Roshan received a resounding applause for his short but encouraging address.

The emcee invited Hrithik to address the students with roars of approval from the audience.

Hrithik addressed students listening in rapt attention across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and India. “Thank you much, you have no idea what this means to me. I just want to say that you guys are the future of the world. The one thing that will make you great in your life, beyond money, beyond strength, beyond anything else is your character. Know who you are. Walk you paths, know your truths. Character, is what will make you great in your life! Remember, that status in the world is not defined by what work you do but by how well you do it. It does not matter what you do. Whatever you do, you do it great. And that will show your character to the people around you. Be givers in life, do not wait for people to show you love, give love first. Be contributors in life and whatever you want in life will come to you automatically. Give first. Krrish has been a long journey and I am really happy that it took so long, right from its inception stage from Koi Mil Gaya to Krrish and now Krrish 3 because it has taught me a lot of things in life. It has taught me that a superhero is not about a jacket or a cape or the powers. A superhero is anyone of us. What does a superhero do? He uses all his powers to help others, to contribute to others, to be in service to the world - that is what defines a superhero. Any one of us can be a superhero. Make a superhero a symbol, because a symbol is stronger than any individual, any actor. It stands for a certain set of values. If you understand those values and you imbibe them, who is going to stop you from being a superhero in your life.

I learnt from the characters I played - whether it is Akbar or another character, I try and look for what I do not have. I try and imbibe and I try and grow with that. With Krrish I have learnt certain values. Those values I carry with me on my wrist as a symbol of Krrish and that stays with me. When I wear this and the jacket, I feel like Krrish, I feel unstoppable. It is a mental decision that any of us can take. Whenever you are undecided in life, when it is time to take a decision, take three seconds, and then you ask the right questions and you will get the right answers. Thank you all for such a warm welcome. I specially want to say thank you to the wonderful team of dancers, specially the little angel who kept looking at me as if to say, “You see that is how it is done”. I wish my kids were here to witness that and all the other artists who have been on stage, how wonderful it was. If I have contributed to inspiring them then I feel proud today that I can inspire something like this. So thank you to all the dancers and all of you. I love you so much. Thank you.”

Hrithik gives a glimpse of his
famous
dance
moves

A reverberating applause lit up the auditorium in honour of Hrithik whose humble demeanour touched GIIS students deeply across all campuses. Both, Mr Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan answered questions from GIIS students present in the audience, as well as those from GIIS campuses in Japan, Malaysia, and India through video conference.

The visit sparked encouragement in young leaders across GIIS campuses in Asia Pacific to develop qualities of courage, character and strength, values that will motivate GIIS students throughout in their careers.

The event was broadcasted worldwide live through webcast to around 7600 people in 26 countries and 52 cities. Viewers by location:
Singapore 4074, India 716, Malaysia 304, Japan 89 to around 6500 people